Things we might change if we could.
Sometimes, this might lead to wishful thinking, misguided beauty purchases, and occasional negative self-talk.
For people with body dysmorphic disorder, this unhappiness with certain aspects of physical appearance is much more serious.
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Factors like abuse, bullying, genetics, and social interactions may play a part in causing this condition.
Learning to accept yourself can help, but BDD doesn’t just go away on its own.
Distorted Body Image vs.
Even though you’re able to spend hours a day on these behaviors, any relief is short-lived.
Some symptoms of BDD overlap with other conditions, such as:
What Causes Body Dysmorphia?
Researchers are not 100% sure about what exactly causes body dysmorphic disorder.
Related and Co-Occurring Disorders
It isn’t uncommon for body dysmorphic disorder to occur alongside other conditions.
Those with BDD want their physical “problem” addressed.
They want the perceived flaw to be fixed, transformed, or removed.
In fact, CBT is a first-line treatment for BDD.
It involves changing the maladaptive thoughts and beliefs present in the disorder.
It can also involve exposure techniques that aim to decrease the repetitive behaviors and thoughts around bodily preoccupations.
It is important that those with body dysmorphic disorder allow themselves adequate time for psychotherapy to be effective.
These medications are often used most effectively in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Ensuring Your Safety
Physical safety is key in the treatment of BDD.
These behaviors can leave you and your loved ones feeling no hope that the situation can change.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
2013;15(4):PCC.12r01464.
2019;14(5):e0213974.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0213974
Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
